An Insider’s Guide to

Visiting Croatia and

Montenegro in 2021

 

From Miami, I flew Turkish Airlines to Croatia via Istanbul—and the experience was wonderful. After having limited service for over a year, Turkish Airlines has resumed full onboard service, including its inflight chefs in Business class. Safety protocols were taken seriously in both Istanbul and in Croatia, with masks worn by all. 

The experience on the ground looks a little different as airlines and governments are navigating reopening the borders, and I arrived earlier than usual since the check-in process is longer. For Croatia, the airline agent needed to verify all documents, which In this case, includes a negative PCR or viral antigen test taken 48 hours prior to departure or proof of complete vaccination, and prepaid vouchers of hotel stays.

In Croatia, my journey started in Zagreb, the capital. The city itself is best discovered on foot, where you can find cute coffee shops, get lost in alleyways in search of the city’s street art, and roam through the colorful market. 

To the southwest of Zagreb was my next stop, Rovinj, a romantic and historic town on the Istrian Peninsula. Istria is heaven for foodies—and also the white truffle capital of the world. Often compared to Tuscany and other “charming towns,” Istria has its own unique culture and appeal, as well as vast winelands and renowned oil olive production. Here I visited with a local family who are 3rd generation truffle-hunters in Buzet village. Led by their truffle dogs, Bruno and Stiv, we had an unforgettable truffle hunt and lunch. 

Another highlight was Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was out-of-this-world gorgeous, consisting of 16 crystal clear blue lakes and beautiful waterfalls cascading from one into the next. (Pro-tip: Choose the route that is a little longer and requires a bit more effort. The views are simply stunning.) 

From there, I continued on to my favorite city in Croatia: Split. The city itself is one of the most historic in the country, and I was within walking distance to the old town and Diocletian’s Palace, a 1700-year-old Roman ruin that forms more than half of the old town today.

On my way back to Miami, I was able to overnight in Istanbul and stayed at the extravagant Shangri-la Hotel, situated on the banks of the Bosphorus in Besiktas. Just like Istanbul itself, the hotel is grand with a very welcoming environment.

As you step into the lobby, you are blown away by the two-story chandelier and bouquets of flowers everywhere. My room was pretty amazing, too—chic with a soft neutral palette, spacious, comfortable, and views over the Bosphorus. I was pleasantly welcomed with a lovely plate of baklava and mixed nuts. In fact, throughout my stay, the service was on point. (And I’m looking forward to my next visit when I can experience their amazing, signature CHI Spa.)

Before heading to the airport, I decided to visit the old city, even though I was told everything on the weekends is closed. To my pleasant surprise, the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque were open, with no entrance fees and no crowds. I strolled through the Arasta Bazaar located by the Blue Mosque and was lucky enough to get some shopping in before my flight.